Posts in category Cats

Kidney disorders are a very frequent cause of consultation to veterinary centers: every one in three cats develops some kind of renal disease in their old age. Unless it is diagnosed, and treated in time, chronic kidney disease (CKD) has very serious consequences. Veterinos Veterinary Hospital offers a new service at a package price including:

Visit and exploration.

Specific test.

Report or, if the results are positive, follow-up visit.

Prescriptions, and recommendations according to the results.

Currently, kidney disease can be diagnosed doing a test named SDMA, by the IDEXX laboratories. It uses very sensitive biomarkers that let us to evaluate the renal function, and detect problems at an early stage. It is the most trustworthy test at the moment, and it helps us reach a diagnosis even if the cat is not showing yet clinical symptoms. Thus we can start the treatment before the damage to the kidneys is irreversible.
Having an earlier diagnose helps determine the actual cause of the renal failure, after some additional tests. Knowing the cause, we will be able to prescribe a more specific treatment, and try to modify the course of the disease.Clear your doubts for not much more than the cost of a vaccine!

A large number of decorative plants are potentially poisonous for pets. In some cases, the simple contact with them can cause skin reactions, and in others it is eating them that does some sort of harm: from a simple rash to gastrointestinal trouble, neurological disorders, respiratory distress, or cardiac alterations.

Although often the effects last only a few days, a severe poisoning can be fatal for our best friend. The level of danger depends on many factors, such as the dose, species, size of the animal, age, or previous conditions.

The toxins might be in the leaves, stems, flowers, or fruits, ever present, or associated to a certain season, like poinsettias.

Before buying a plant for your home, seek information about it. Be careful as well during walks, and prevent your pet from rubbing against or swallowing unknown plants. We need to be especially watchful with pups, for they nibble everything at hand, and are not exactly cautious with what they get into their mouths.

In face of any symptom of poisoning, such as vomiting or disorientation, ask your veterinarian before you do anything, since the treatment might be different depending on the toxin, breed of the animal, and other factors. If you can, bring a picture or sample of the plant, so the veterinarian can identify it, and apply the right treatment more quickly.

The range of plants that can to be poisonous for pets is so wide that there is no way to mention all of them here. Therefore, we have selected a few that we believe are found more often in our area. For detailed information about these and other dangerous plants, check the bibliography at the end of this article.

Alocasia, or Chinese taro (Alocasia cucullata): Like caladium, alocasia owes its toxicity to calcium oxalates, so it is very irritating both by contact and ingestion.

Aucuba, or spotted laurel (Aucuba japonica): Its most common effects are of a digestive nature. In big doses, though, it leads to neurological problems (trembling, spasms, disorientation), difficulty in breathing, and alteration of the cardiac rhythm. It might even cause internal hemorrhages, and damage to the liver and kidneys, which sometimes are mortal.

Caladium, or elephant’s ear (Bicolor caladium): The whole plant is poisonous, and very irritating due to calcium oxalate crystals. Besides irritating the skin and eyes at contact, internally it causes also edemas, inflammations, and congestion.

Chrysanthemum, and Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum, and Chrysanthemum cinerariiaefolium, respectively): Their sale is forbidden in Spain since 2004 (BOE, in Spanish), so they should not be found too often. Cats are especially sensitive to them, compared to dogs. These plants can cause dermatitis, gastritis, and coordination difficulties.

Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia exotica): It contains oxalates, too, so it can cause irritation of the gullet, stomach and intestines; inflammation; dermatitis, and conjunctivitis. Inflammation might develop into respiratory and cardiac distress.

Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum): It is similar to ivy, and its effects are quite alike, ranging from digestive discomfort to serious neurological problems, or even death.

Holly (Ilex aquifolium): In the Mediterranean area, holly leaves or fruits are one of the most frequent causes of poisoning in animals. They lead to stomach and intestinal irritation, with vomiting, diarrhea and slobbering. In high doses it can reduce the cardiac rhythm, and induce coma or even death.

Hyacinth (Hyacynthus): The bulb is poisonous. When eaten, it harms mainly the digestive system. Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common effect — sometimes convulsions and tachycardia, too.

Ivy (Hedera helix): Its most poisonous part are the fruits, and to a lower extent, the leaves. It can cause digestive trouble, as well as spasms and quivers when it affects the nervous system. In large quantities, it might be fatal.

Lantana or wild sage (Lantana camera): Its leaves and green fruits are very dangerous for pets. The mere contact is very irritating, and can cause dermatitis and severe internal inflammation, with resulting difficulties to swallow and breathe. In addition to that, they contain a toxin, lantadene, which can paralyze the biliary system, and lead to liver failure even in low doses.

Lilies (Lilium): They are seldom lethal, but they do cause gastrointestinal trouble, and in the most serious cases, internal hemorrhages.

Marijuana (Cannabis sativa): Since pets are smaller than humans, marijuana has more effect on them. They can experience digestive problems, cardiac alterations, disorientation, tremblings, and depression or sudden changes of humor. There are documented deaths due to cannabis, although it is not frequent.

Monstera, Adanson’s monstera, or five holes plant (Monstera adansonii): Like several other plants in this list, it contains calcium oxalates. They are located in the leaves, stems, and flowers. The fruits are not poisonous, but the rest of the plant is, and very much. It causes severe discomfort, due to the oxalates’ effects on the skin, mouth, and digestive organs, whose swelling might cause serious difficulties to breath, and even cardiac arrest.

Narcissus (Narcissus): Narcissus, as hyacinth, is especially poisonous when the pet eats the bulb of the plant. The effects are also similar: gastrointestinal disorders, trembling and, in the most serious cases, convulsions and alterations of the cardiac rhythm.

Oleander (Nerium oleander L.): On contact, it can cause reactions in the skin; if ingested, digestive trouble, and vomits. In the worst case scenario, oleander induces respiratory and cardiac disorders, which might be fatal.

Philodendron (Philodendron): Its toxicity is also due to calcium oxalates, therefore it has the same effects as dieffenbachia, caladium or alocasia, among others.

Poinsettia (Euphoribia pulcherrimia): Their sap is very poisonous for some animal species. Pups and kitten are most vulnerable, as they are less aware about the stuff they eat, and their organism is more sensitive. In small doses, it causes vomiting, diarrheas and slobbering. In large doses, pets can experience quivers and ravings; or, in extremely severe — and infrequent — cases, even comma and death by multiple organ failure. On contact, it can cause as well irritation and inflammation in the skin and eyes.

Rhododendron, and azaleas (Rhododendron): The toxin is in the leaves, and the flowers’ nectar. It causes gastric and respiratory problems, and might end in death.

Sago palm (Cycas revoluta): this plant is especially dangerous, since it is mortal in a 50-75 % of cases. It can cause gastrointestinal distress, internal hemorrhages, neurological problems, and liver failure. The whole plant is poisonous — the seeds even more so.

Savin juniper or savin (Juniperus sabina): Savin is very dangerous for pregnant females, due to its abortive properties. Generally, it can cause damage to the kidneys and digestive tract. Besides, it can irritate the skin and eyes.

Home Poisonings in Pets. Part 3

The way we feed our pets is a key factor for their health. Their diet must be nutritionally complete, balanced, and adapted to the type of animal. Not everything they would eat happily is good for them: many things we humans eat are poisonous for animals. Some of them produce only mild digestive discomfort, but others might do serious harm, and even end our best friend’s life.

The effects also vary depending on the amount taken: most of the items listed below are not dangerous in small doses, but a few of them — such as chocolate — can cause trouble even in small quantities.

Here are the kinds of food that can be more harmful to our pets.

Chocolate, Enemy no. 1

Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine that can be very poisonous for dogs. It must not fool us that for dogs — as for us — chocolate is very appetizing. Although it does not affect all dogs equally, we must be cautious, and never let them eat chocolate, alone or mixed into other candies.

The amount of chocolate that can be damaging depends on:

its purity: the highest the concentration of cocoa in the chocolate, the more theobromine it will have

the weight of the animal: the effects are stronger on smaller or slimmer dogs

the breed: breeds with flat snouts such as bulldogs, boxers, or pugs are more inclined to suffer the negative effects of chocolate, since they are more prone to respiratory or cardiac distress

Symptoms

The first symptoms that dogs usually show after eating chocolate, within only a few hours, are digestive. Theobromine causes tummy irritation, leading to increase in the secretion of gastric juices, and therefore vomits or diarrhea. In the long term, this condition might even cause stomach ulcers.

If the dog eats a lot of chocolate, theobromine will seep into the bloodstream, causing alterations in the heart’s rhythm, trembling, and agitation. In the worst case scenario, dogs might even have convulsions, enter comma and die.

Treatment

The treatment of chocolate poisoning depends on the seriousness of the symptoms. If the poisoning is mild, the veterinarian will only the effects on the digestive tract. If there is cardiac or neuronal trouble, the dog will need to be hospitalized.

In any case, always ask a veterinarian before taking any measure.

Garlic and Onions

Raw or cooked, garlic, onions, leek, and other vegetables of the kind contain thiosulfate, a substance that attacks the red cells of dogs, putting them at risk of hemolytic anemia.

Hemolytic anemia is characterized by the destruction of red cells at a higher speed than it should, so the organism cannot restore them as needed.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of garlic and onion poisoning are:

weakness

queasyness

confusion

cardiac alterations

difficulty in breathing

Treatment

The treatment may entail medication to reinforce the immune system, or blood transfusions, so the pet will need to be hospitalized.

Avocado

The leaves, as well as the fruit, seed, and peel of the avocado contain an element that is poisonous for many animals, especially for cats, rodents, and some species of birds: persina.

Symptoms

Persina is a protection agent in avocados that kills mold. In cats it can cause:

difficulty in breathing

congestion

accumulation of liquid in the heart.

Avocado is less harmful for dogs than for other pets, but as it has a lot of fat it can cause stomachaches, vomiting and pancreatitis.

Treatment

In case of cats and rodents, a poisoning from avocado will mean very probably hospitalization, to clean the organism, and treat the effects.

In the case of dogs, usually only the digestive symptoms will need to be treated. In the worst case scenario, the dog might need hospitalization to be administered intravenous fluid and pain killers.

Grapes and Raisins

The exact cause of grapes’ and raisins’ toxicity is unknown at this time. It affects mainly dogs, although not all of them equally. Some dogs can eat grapes without showing any symptoms, while others have died after eating only 8 raisins. Just for measure, it is advisable never to give dogs grapes or raisins.

Symptoms

The main symptoms dogs poisoned from grapes can show are:

during the first 24 hours after the ingestion:

vomiting

hyperactivity

occasionally diarrhea

after 24 hours:

anorexia

lethargy

depression

abdominal pain

acute renal failure

Treatment

If a dog poisoned from grapes has only mild symptoms during the first 24 hours, without any further development, the veterinarian will treat only the digestive problems.

If the dog shows more serious effects, they will need urgent hospitalization.

Other Kinds of Food to Be Avoided

Macadamia nuts contain a toxin that in dogs and cats can cause fever, motor impairment, muscular trembling, weakness, and paralysis of the hind legs.

Due to their high concentration of fats, nuts in general can cause also stomach trouble, and vomiting.

Other kinds of food that can cause digestive problems are:

shellfish

dairy products (in adult dogs and cats)

baby food

salt

Jamaican pepper

coffee

alcoholic drinks

Conclusions

We must avoid these prohibited food items, and provide our pets a balanced diet, easy to digest, and palatable. We should to try to give them the right amount of essential nutrients, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins.

Commercial formulae, be it dry (fodder) or humid food(cans), fulfill all these conditions. We recommend always to choose specific products for the type of pet, and preferably top of the line, since the quality of the ingredients is very good.

Home Poisonings in Pets. Part 2

Pet poisonings from detergents, disinfectants and other products for house cleaning most often are due to slip-ups, since we are commonly aware of the harm they can do. However, we have to bear in mind that dogs and cats are like toddlers: they explore their environment by getting everything into their mouths. They lick, nibble and eat stuff they find within their reach, not knowing that they can do serious damage.

We must take precautions with all the dangerous substances, keep them safely, and use them carefully, be it products for cleaning or for maintenance (paint, solvents, acids).

Detergents

Detergent ingestion is one of the most frequent causes of house poisoning in pets. Although it is very rare for an animal to feel attracted by their smell, it is not so uncommon that they drink from a bucket that, in addition to water, contains cleaning products. They might swallow detergent as well if they nibble on an empty bottle, or when their trough wasn’t rinsed off properly.

The greatest risk in these cases, besides irritation and vomits, is that detergent might lather and enter the lungs, leading to respiratory trouble.

Disinfectants

Bleach and ammonia, which we use often to wash floors and baths, can be dangerous in high concentrations. As in the case of detergents, we must prevent our pets from drinking from a bucket that contains these substances, or licking a surface that has been washed recently with them.

The ingestion of bleach and ammonia can cause problems in different degrees:

irritation and burns in the digestive tract

thorax pains

convulsions

hemorrhages

slobbering

lack of appetite

apathy

The seriousness of the injuries depends on the product, and the amount ingested.

Mothballs

Balls of naphthalene are used to keep clothes moth free. Dogs are the ones most often involved in these poisonings because they mistake mothballs for toys, nibble them, and may even swallow them.

The main poisoning symptoms from naphthalene are:

vomits

weakness

yellowish coloration of the skin and mucous membranes

blood alterations

lack of limb coordination

liver problems

What to Do

Poisonings with cleaning products, disinfectants, solvents, or mothballs cause internal damage that must be treated by a veterinarian. In face of any symptoms of poisoning from these substances, you need to take the pet to the clinic quickly.

Overweight and obesity are the most common nutritional disease in dogs and cats. The big difference between overweight in pets and humans is that animals do not have the ability to control their own weight. They depend only and exclusively on what their owners give them. From the age of one it is crucial to provide them the diet recommended for their age, species and breed. Otherwise, we can cause them overweight, even obesity.

Obesity is defined as an excess of body fat that may cause illness. When animals consume more calories than they spend, fat accumulates.

Dogs are overweight when they exceed the standard weight for their breed by 15 – 30 %. An excess weight of more than 30 % means they are obese.

In the case of cats, they are considered overweight when they exceed the “ideal weight” by more than 10 %, and they are obese over 20 %.

The exact medical cause of obesity and overweight is unknown. Research suggest that it is due to a disparity between the intake of food, and the expense of energy. According to these studies, balance depends mostly on neurological, physiological, metabolic, and hormonal factors. Nevertheless, there are other factors of risk regarding obesity:

Overfeeding: many owners tend to give their pets the same food they eat, in addition to their own.

Behavioral disorders: idleness, boredom, nervousness, and other problems can lead to an excessive food consumption.

Age: the probability of gaining too much weight is higher from the age of 5 to 10. Therefore, we must be specially careful with the diets of adult and senior pets. On the other hand, the excess of fat has negative effects on the health and life expectancy of animals.

Gender: obesity is more frequent among female cats and dogs.

Physical activity: many pets have a rather indolent life style, which can predispose to overweight.

How to Know if Our Pet Is Overweight or Obese?

At spine level, we cannot feel the vertebrae, and in the thorax we have trouble counting the ribs.

They play less, their movements are more restricted than they used to, and show some intolerance to exercise.

They sleep less, are in a bad mood, and show respiratory difficulties.

There is fat accumulated in the lower back and base of the tail, among other places.

Pathologies and Risks of Overweight and Obesity

Cardio-respiratory troubles.

Skin diseases.

Orthopedic and articular problems (rupture of ligaments, slipped disc, or arthrosis, among others).

Diabetes.

Accumulation of fat in the liver (hepatic lipidosis).

Complaints of the urinary tract.

Infertility and, in case of pregnancy, problems during labor (dystocia).

Intolerance to exercise and hot weather.

Increased risk during anesthesia.

Cancer.

How to Prevent Overweight and Obesity in Cats and Dogs

If we want that our pets to stay in their ideal weight, the most important is feeding them according to the physiological stage where they are. Depending on the age, level of physical activity, general condition, and whether they are pregnant, sterilized or lactating, the diet must be different.

Besides that, there are a few basic rules to follow:

Do not give them leftovers of your food.

Do not give them treats rich in sugar or fats.

Make them exercise regularly.

Keep control of their weight to correct problems in time.

Recommendations for the Loss of Weight

Regulate the amount of food they eat every day. If you have other animals, they must not all eat at the same time, since the animal in treatment might eat the others’ ration.

Divide the daily ration in several takes, to prevent anxiety.

Weight them often, so you can evaluate the results.

Remember that the loss of weight must gradual, since shedding weight too quickly might lead to failure.

You can resort also to a slimming program with food low in calories, or specific products for the treatment of the overweight. You can ask your usual veterinarian about the options available.

Home Poisonings in Pets. Part 1

Many substances that we have commonly at home can put the health of our pets in serious risk. Dogs and cats tend to explore their environment; they are attracted to novel things, and smell, lick, eat. If your pets have swallowed something they shouldn’t have, and show symptoms of discomfort, take them immediately to the veterinarian.

The best strategy, in any case, is always prevention. To avert poisonings, we need to know which products are potentially dangerous to keep them away from animals.

We have prepared for you 4 posts about the most dangerous substances for our pets:

Part 1: poisonings from medicines and pesticides.

Part 2: poisonings from cleaning products.

Part 3: poisonings from food.

Part 4: poisonings from decorative plants.

Medicines

Medicines are the first cause of poisoning in cats, and the second cause in dogs (after pesticides).

Animals in general neither assimilate nor respond to medicines the same way as humans do, so it is very dangerous to give them medicines intended for us.

Paracetamol and ibuprofen, for example — which we use often as anti-inflammatories or for headaches —, are highly poisonous for certain animals. They can damage the stomach and the liver, among other things. A couple of tablets might be enough to cause death.

We must be very careful with the acetylsalicylic acid (present in aspirins, and especially harmful for cats), tranquilizers, antipsychotics, and sedatives in general. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian first.

Regarding specific medicines for animals, we need to take precautions with products for external deworming. The accidental ingestion of antiparasitic collars, or an overdose of deworming tablets or pipettes also can cause a poisoning, as well as treating cats with pipettes intended for dogs. If you cannot remember if you gave them the recommended dose of antiparasitic medicine, check with your veterinarian before you give them another one.

Other substances that it is necessary to keep away from dogs and cats are psychoactive drugs — marijuana and hashish included. Even though their effects are rarely serious, they can cause neurological symptoms — trembling, disorientation, convulsions, and locomotor impairment — so they have to be hospitalized.

Pesticides

Nearly all pesticides are potentially poisonous for animals, since they are chemical compounds designed to kill, repel, control, or interrupt the growth of living beings seen as plagues.

Rat Poison

Rat poisons are used to kill, control, or prevent the presence or action of rodents in any midst. They are among the most common poisons found in every home, and the cause of many accidental poisonings in dogs.

Symptoms

In most cases, dogs that have suffered a mild rat poisoning don’t show symptoms for several days. These substances act little by little, causing internal or external hemorrhages that the organism cannot control because this poison prevents coagulation.

Internal hemorrhages can go unnoticed, so we may not be aware that our pet has swallowed a harmful substance. Any of the following symptoms might indicate poisoning:

weakness

nosebleeds

blood in the feces

bloody vomits

haematomas under the skin

breathing hardship

increase of the volume of the abdomen

What to Do

If you suspect that your dog has been in contact with rat poison, and they show some of these symptoms, take them immediately to the veterinarian and indicate which substance they have consumed.

Do not induce vomit unless the veterinarian said so. Some poisons can do more harm if they are brought up through the esophagus than if they continue they normal course.

Insecticides, molluscicides and herbicides

This kind of products is are designed to kill insects, slugs, snails, and weeds, but they can cause equally serious damage to dogs or cats when swallowed. They can affect the digestive system, and even the nervous system.

Symptoms

The possible symptoms of a poisoning from insecticides, molluscicides, or herbicides are:

vomits

diarrhea

trembling or convulsions

walking impairment

What to Do

In face of any of these symptoms, take your pet the veterinarian quickly.

Treatment of Poisonings in Cats and Dogs

When animals are poisoned, usually they need to be hospitalized — except in the mildest cases. Depending on the substance they have swallowed, the veterinarian will treat them with the right antidote — if there is one —, administer intravenous fluids to cleanse the organism, and apply specific treatments for the symptoms the pet has developed (digestive, renal, hepatic, or neurological).

When we treat a pet for any ailment, surgery is always the last resource. No owner would like to have their loved one go through that. Sometimes, however, surgery is the only way to ensure the animal’s recovery. As veterinarians, we aim to grant all our patients a long, quality life without making them suffer unnecessarily.

For that reason, when we operate on a pet our goal is to cure with minimal trauma.

One way of making recovery easier and more comfortable are intradermic sutures. This is when surgery, for us, becomes an art: The beauty of leaving everything as we found it, or as it would have been: tidy, without alterations, and with the minimal scar possible.

Intradermic stitches do not hurt, and the thread dissolves on its own. Therefore, patients do not need an annoying vet collar to prevent them from nibbling their wounds.

An added benefit is esthetics: This kind of suture does not leave a scar. It prevents bulks of tissue from growing around the wound — eventually causing trouble —, and your pet will remain as pretty as ever!

For us, it is most important that before, during, and after surgery our patients are comfortable, and suffer the least possible pain. For that reason, we use advanced protocols of anesthesia and sedation, use progressive surgical techniques and, afterwards, we prescribe the most suitable analgesics for each case.

Usually the patients can go home on the same day. If the surgery is done in the evening — to the owners’ convenience, or because it is an emergency — we recommend always that the pet stays overnight in our 24/7 hospitalization room. This way we can monitor closely their evolution during the crucial hours of recovery.

The pine processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) is a type of caterpillar. It is considered one of the most important plagues on Mediterranean pines, although it can affect other trees as well. The name is due to their characteristic way of moving from the trees to the ground during their migratory phase.

Besides damaging trees, the pine processionary can cause health issues to humans and animals — cats, dogs, ferrets. They have urticating hairs which cause allergic reactions (see Pest profile – Pine processionary moth). The most frequent result in animals are swellings in the area of the mouth. In the most serious cases, they might lose part of the tongue and lips, or even suffer asphyxia.

Life Cycle of the Pine Processionary

We should know a little about the life cycle of this insect to avoid risking contact with the caterpillar.

At the end of summer, adult moths mate, and the females lay eggs on the leaves of trees. The caterpillars hatch out of the eggs 4 weeks later. The most characteristic stages they go through are: the building of nests — to spend the winter —, and the migration from the tree tops in the spring to form the chrysalis underground. In the summer, moths hatch out of the chrysalis, and the biological cycle starts again when they reach adulthood.

Contact with the pine processionary is most dangerousduring the migration periods:

at the end of autumn (when they build the nests)

at the beginning of spring (when the rise of the temperatures stimulates the caterpillars to move from the tree to the ground)

Also risk is also high whenever the nests are manipulated to be removed, mainly in the winter.

Symptoms

If your pet has been in contact with processionary caterpillars, you will see that:

the animal appears nervous

their lips, mouth, and tongue itch, or are even swollen

when there has been contact with the inside of the mouth, they salivate more than usual, and swallow too quickly

These symptoms might be due to other reasons, such as poisonings from some plants. Therefore, it is better to visit a veterinarian. They will determine the exact cause, and prescribe the right treatment.

The most usual effects of the pine processionary on animals are:

Inflammation of the mouth, tongue, and lips. Such reactions happen when the animal licks, or manipulates the caterpillar with the mouth. These are the most frequent afflictions, and the ones causing the most trouble.

Besides the swelling, there could be death of tissue in the affected areas. The animal might lose part of the tongue or lips.

If your pet swallows a pine processionary, the consequences can be even worse: in some cases it might cause inflammation of the larynx. That would compromise breathing, and lead possibly to the death of the animal.

Inflammation of the eyelids and ulcers in the cornea, when the caterpillar’s urticanting hairs are carried from the nests by the wind.

Inflammation of the nasal cavity, when the animal sniffs the caterpillar — or spots where there are nests —, and the bug’s hairs get inside the nose.

Prognosis

The prognosis varies depending on the affected area, the extension of the damage, and the timeliness of treatment. Therefore, if you suspect that your pet has been in contact with pine processionary caterpillars, our advice is to take them immediately to a veterinary center. They will evaluate the seriousness of the injuries, and prescribe the most suitable treatment.

Prevention

It is essential to keep in check the areas where our dogs or cats spend time during the autumn and spring. Prevent by any means their contact with pine processionary caterpillars — either by eliminating them, or avoiding the areas where they live.

Calçots (White Lisbon scallions) can be toxic — even lethal — for many domestic animals, including dogs and cats. They are no different from the rest of onions, garlics and other representatives of the allium family that we eat often.

Why Are They Poisonous?

This kind of produce can cause intoxication in any of their forms: raw, dehydrated, or cooked. This is due to a component called thiosulfate, which oxidizes red globules, so they rupture. Consequently, internal tissues stop receiving enough oxygen. This condition is known as hemolytic anemia, and may have severe hematological and clinical effects.

Dogs and cats are highly susceptible to poisoning with calçots because scallions can do damage from very low doses (5 gm / kg in cats, and 15-30 gm / kg in dogs).

How to Know if My Pet Is Poisoned From Calçots?

The most frequent poisoning symptoms from onions or calçots are:

vomiting

anorexia (they stop eating)

tachycardia

increase of respiratory frequency

pale mucous membranes

blood in urine

What to Do if I Think My Pet Has Eaten Onions or Scallions?

If you suspect a poisoning from either calçots or any other kind of onions, take your pet to the veterinarian right away. Vomiting and diarrhea can be immediate, but the rest of symptoms appear, usually, one to four days after the ingestion.

For that reason, it is crucial to treat the intoxication from an early stage. Unless caught in time, it could be lethal. Red globules are damaged faster than the animal can replace them.

What Treatment Will My Pet Receive in Case of Onion Poisoning?

Since a small amount of raw calçots or onions can be poisonous, it might be useful to induce vomit within the first hour after ingestion, even if there are no symptoms.

To Wrap or Not to Wrap Pets Up

When winter comes, we humans get our coats, fleece jackets, wool hats, and gloves out of the closet to fight the cold. We can see then lots of small sweaters and jackets in pet stores, too, but do they really do need them? Is it fashion or an actual need? And what about cats?

The Body Temperature of Cats and Dogs

Cats and dogs, like us, are “homeotherm” animals. That means that they can regulate their body temperature, within limits. Their way of doing that, however, is very different from ours.

We should know a few things about it, since surpassing these limits on any end might lead to serious problems: hypothermia (body temperature too low), or hyperthermia (too high).

The first thing to know is that their perception of cold is linked to several factors:

The real and relative environmental temperature (humidity levels).

The type and quantity of hair (depending on the breed).

Their body fat (depending on the breed, and their nutritional state).

The animal’s age and condition.

Whether they are more or less used to certain temperatures.

Another key factor is that cats and dogs can’t sweat cutaneously. They can only dispel heat by panting, and through the pads in their paws. This makes them especially vulnerable to high temperatures — heatstrokes in the summer —, but also more resistant to cold.

Depending on the ability of each animal to preserve body heat, therefore, they will or will not need clothing. In case of doubt, ask a veterinarian or pet groomer you trust.

Bear in mind, in any case, that if you want to wrap them up, you have to inure them to the sweater little by little.

Dogs and Cold

According to these factors, it is not the same having at home, for example:

an Alaskan malamute, genetically adapted to temperature drops, with a rough overcoat covering most of their body, and a very dense, oily, and woolly undercoat

a pug, which can have thin smooth short hair, with or without undercoat, though with a good level of subcutaneous fat

a greyhound, without undercoat, barely any fat, and thin close-fitting skin, so they hardly tolerate low temperatures.

Depending on the Dog’s Age

It is not the same to have a dynamic pup or young dog who likes running, than having a quiet geriatric dog with arthrosis.

A healthy, young and dynamic animal does not need, in theory, any clothing — as long as they have a healthy fur. Only greyhounds, hairless breeds like the Chinese Cestat, or Dobermans, pinschers and others that lack a good undercoat, need in fact to be kept warm when they are young.

Senior dogs with arthrosis, though, do need a coat at the beginning of the walk. Also we should help them warm up their muscles, and massage their joints softly to improve mobility before going out. During the walk, once they are warm enough, we can take their coat off. Put it on again if they stop to gaze quietly at passersby.

However, if dogs of any age go out to the forest after a rain — or the air is very humid —, and come back soaked, dry them well. If, on top of that, it is very, very cold, do wrap them up before going out.

Garden Dogs

Dogs are very social animals. They like sleeping with the rest of the family. If they prefer the garden anyway, they must always have a place to take shelter in case temperatures drop suddenly, or something scares them.

If your pet sleeps normally in the garden, and is used to it, their coat has adjusted naturally. They do not get cold so easily. If they are not used to it, but want to sleep one night in the garden, make sure they have a warm place where to take shelter.

Cats and Cold

For cats the situation is pretty much the same. Just be careful with heaters, as cats love warmth and, sometimes, they might get burned accidentally!

Sphynx cats are a special case, since they lack fur. Their metabolism is fairly different: to keep their body temperature, they need to eat more. That does not mean that they need clothing. Like dogs, cats have judgment. As soon as they feel cold, they will seek warmth however they can — like getting under the comforter.

On the other hand, putting a little sweater to a cat that comes and goes in and out house as they wish, does not make too much sense.

Cats tolerate seldom tolerate sweaters. If they are really cold, and need one, you have to get them used to the sweater little by little. Put them the sweater at times, associating it with something positive, so they do not feel funny. This way, probably, there will be no problems.

Conclusion

Before you do anything, check that your pet is not too warm or too cold at any given time.

Make sure that your cat or dog’s skin and coat are healthy, and in perfect condition. The way to do it is: with an appropriate diet; brushing them regularly; and, in the case of dogs, taking them to a good pet groomer. Follow the advice of your specialty pet groomer, and veterinarian to keep the skin and fur in the best condition.